THE Federal Government has charged the Mines Marshal known as “Hayakin Kogo,” consisting of 2,220 members, to root out illegal miners and individuals who violate the country’s mining regulations.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, delivered this directive during the reception of the marshals from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) by Commandant-General Abubakar Audi.
This initiative, as stated by the minister’s media aide Segun Tomori, fulfills the minister’s promise to establish a new security framework for safeguarding mining sites.
Alake, representing the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged the new operatives to combat theft and illicit activities surrounding the nation’s mineral resources to ensure maximum benefits from these resources.
Recognizing the collaborative efforts of the Minister of Interior in creating the new security unit, Alake lauded Olubunmi-Ojo for translating plans into actions and working closely with the solid minerals ministry to achieve this milestone.
The Mines Marshal, designed as an inter-agency security unit, will involve specialized personnel from various security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the army, with a strong emphasis on utilizing technology in its operations.
NSCDC Commandant-General, Abubakar Audi, emphasized that the new mines marshal will enhance the corps’ duty of safeguarding national assets and infrastructure, particularly in the realm of solid minerals.
Audi disclosed that the marshals will collaborate with mine inspectorates in states to gather intelligence and follow directives from the ministry for effective implementation of their responsibilities.
Audi also asserted that they have identified illegal miners nationwide and are prepared to take action against them.
Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, who was present at the event, expressed satisfaction with the new security unit, stating that enhanced security in mining regions will propel Nigeria’s economic prospects forward.
Gbefwi commended the Minister for aligning actions with his outlined agenda, emphasizing the support and cooperation of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly for the initiative.
